The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Versus No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate
Updated on April 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Retinol, Bisabolol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Laurate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Behentrimonium Chloride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Benzoic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients
(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations. This is what I upgraded to after using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. I experienced no irritation with this product despite it's strength and I liked how radiant my skin felt the next morning. Very affordable for the amount and how long Show more
This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not repurchase
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate 27 ingredients
Effective non-prescription retinol
The texture is sort of like a hybrid serum/lotion that sinks into my skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Do not let this product fool you, it is about as strong as you can get OTC and should be used with caution. I have been using retinol products for years (non-prescription strength) and this is by and far my favourite, the one I continue to use Show more
